Need some advice buying a wood stove.

[Mtlj]

Hey guys, really need some help deciding on what stove to buy for my Helsport Varanger 4-6.

I'm not sure if I want to buy the Helsport stove, mainly because the supports look a little weak for what seems to be quite a sturdy build.

The second option I'd been looking at is the base version of the Frontier stove. I would have to invest in a Stove Cowl though which would add more to the cost.

I was wondering if anybody can throw some pros and cons out there and help me make the wisest choice!

 

[baggins]

we recently got a frontier for the tentipi. Been really happy with it. had to get the spark arrestor and 2 tipi sleeves as its the safer 9. the only problem we've had was the spark arrestor blowing off in 70+ mph winds, so now had a chain tied down to the pole.
I'm sure it is the same with all of these type of stoves, you have to use them a few times to be able to suss out how to get the best from them. but am impressed so far.

 

[MartinK9]

Helsport stove, it's designed and built for use in the Helsport range of Lavvus.

Never had any problems with mine.

 

[Mtlj]

Thanks, I'm just worrying that the Helsport literally looks like it's supported by two flimsy pieces of metal. Which has the larger surface area for cooking too?

 

[Herbalist1]

The frontier stove has a much larger surface for cooking and it's also a lot cheaper. The main purpose of the Helsport stove is as a space heater with a limited capacity for cooking. It sits lower to the ground than the Frontier and since heat rises it more efficiently heats the space. This is probably important in a Scandinavian winter. In this counrty, the Frontier will provide you with more than enough heat and give you more cooking area plus a stove top opening for frying, boiling water. You can also fit a water boiler to the chimney. The Frontier with its tripod legs does however require a bigger footprint which may be an issue depending on how many people you want to get in the Varanger (yeah I know it's a 4-6 man but you really don't want 6 in there).